Henry, Legislative Leaders Find Budget Accord

Governor Henry and legislative leaders today announced a bipartisan budget agreement that will effectively provide “standstill” appropriations to state agencies and programs next fiscal year.

Today’s announcement comes after many weeks of negotiations between the legislative and executive branches. Because of a reduced revenue estimate issued in February, lawmakers had limited resources at their disposal to meet state needs.

The agreement will be executed in a general appropriations bill that funds all of state government in a single piece of legislation.

“In a very challenging budget year, we did our best to stretch the state’s limited resources as far as possible,” said Henry. “Certainly, we wanted to do much more for education, health care, roads, public safety and other important priority areas, but we had to live within our budget constraints.

“This was not an easy job, and I want to thank Treasurer Scott Meacham, the leaders of the House and Senate and all lawmakers for their hard work.”

Legislative budget leaders echoed the governor’s remarks. “We worked diligently and constructively in this tight financial year to ensure all agencies have at least standstill budgets without any cuts,” said Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond and chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

“We were able to work well together to stretch taxpayer dollars as far as possible.

“We always wish we could do more, but are pleased that current services will be funded at vital departments like Education and Human Services. Additionally, we funded the Corrections Department for a full year based on the recommendations made in the performance audit,” Miller said.

“This is not a perfect budget, but given the weakening national economy and deep budget cuts that are occurring in other states, we're pretty fortunate to have a good economy and a standstill budget here in Oklahoma. This agreement for a general appropriations bill ensures that funding will be available to continue basic government services next year," said Senator Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Budget negotiators used a combination of certified revenues, carryover funds and other available moneys to create a standstill budget for state government. The agreement does not call for any new taxes or a withdrawal from the Rainy Day Fund.

Lawmakers have also set aside funding to provide additional supplemental appropriations to education to address a shortfall in the 1017 fund.

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